Freon (R-22) Will Soon Become Obsolete

Keeping your shore house cool? Homeowners will feel the heat of the the Freon deadline this summer.

Your air conditioner’s refrigerant may become obsolete by 2020.

Freon, also known as R-22, is being officially phased out due to its ozone-depleting properties. Unfortunately, here at the South Jersey shore, the majority of the AC units we service use Freon. If your air conditioning unit was built before 2010, there’s a good chance yours does too.

R-22 refrigerant costs will keep rising as coolant is officially phased out

About 25 years ago, environmental concerns about R-22 refrigerant led to a nationally-mandated phase out plan from the Environmental Protection Agency. As of 2010, manufacturers ceased production on AC units charged with R-22. In 2020, production of this chemical will stop completely. So why should you care? Because decrease in supply leads to steep increase in price, and this ban will have a major effect on air-conditioning costs.

Freon is now far from free

Does this story sound familiar? Your air conditioner stopped blowing cold air, and you called to have it serviced. Your HVAC rep detected a small leak in the line and realized it needed more refrigerant. A simple Freon top-off at a very low service charge and you were back in business. Maybe you’ve extended the life of your AC unit for years this way. Well prepare yourself for some serous sticker shock.

“This year the cost of R-22 will reach its highest point yet,” said Brian Broadley of Broadley’s Energy Solutions. “The minimum to charge a unit will be over $500, and that’s just for the gas alone. Homeowners trying to maintain a leaky R-22 air conditioner may end up paying more than it would cost to purchase an entirely new cooling system.”

Now through June 1, 2017, Broadley’s will give you a $500 credit toward new AC unit

For homeowners with an older unit (2010 or prior), it may be more cost-effective to invest in a new AC system. Upgrading from your old R-22 unit not only reduces your impact on the environment, but a high-efficiency system will greatly reduce your energy costs, putting money back in your pocket. Even if your air conditioner is only 10 years old, you may see significant energy saving by replacing it with a newer, more efficient model. Longer warranty periods, quieter operation and unlimited supplies of coolant, will further add to your peace of mind.

Extended financing plans are available and Broadley’s is offering you $500 off the cost of your replacement unit through June 1, 2017. This is a limited time offer, so act now by calling 609-390-3907 or visiting broadleys.net. Not sure if your unit uses Freon? We can find that out for you, too!